Brazil's New Presidential Decree to Stimulate Research

A Presidential Decree published at the end of July in Brazil has modified the legal requirements for the access of national genetic resources, and is expected to promote research on plants and animals with pharmaceutical or commercial potential (bioprospecting).  

One of the modifications pertains to the law “MP nº 2.186-16/01”, which ensures that the benefits of research on a given species are shared between the researchers and the owner of the land where the species was collected. Previously, the contract between the parties had to be submitted to the Genetic Patrimony Management Council (CGEN) of the Ministry of the Environment before the start of the research activities. With the new rules, the researchers and land owners can agree independently, and only submit a file to the CGEN once, or if, a substance with financial potential has been identified.   The other change to the legislation will allow researchers to undertake new projects in areas already approved by the CGEN, while before, each new activity required an independent submission. Universities are expected to benefit most from this reduction in bureaucracy. “There is no point in protecting biodiversity without having any knowledge of it”, said Cristina Azevedo, director of the Department of Genetic Patrimony of the Ministry.  

For more information visit http://www.agenciabrasil.gov.br/noticias/2007/07/23/materia.2007-07-23.6723525370/view